Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

The 15th of September 2011 found us in St Louis, and naturally we had to go see the famous Gateway Arch.  The Arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.


St Louis is known as the Gateway to the West.  During the 1700's & 1800's most people wanting to "go West" had to take a trail that went through St Louis.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial was established in 1935 to commemorate the westward expansion.


Originally, the monument was comprised of the Old Courthouse, Luther Ely Smith Square, and a large vacant area between Memorial Dr and the Mississippi River.


In 1947 a contest was held to determine what structure would be build on the vacant property.  The design for the Gateway Arch, by Eero Saarnen, won over 172 other entries.   

Construction began in 1963 and was completed in 1965.


Although we knew that the arch was 630 feet tall, it was impossible to realize the actual size of the monument until standing directly in front of it.


The viewable panels are part of a sandwich: stainless steel outside, carbon steel inside, and concrete in the middle.


The visitor's center is beneath the arch (under the park) with entrances at each touch point.  It is comprised of a large museum, two stores and two theaters.  


We rode up to the top in "tram" cars, similar to Ferris Wheel cars.  The view from the top is breath-taking.  If you are ever anywhere near St Louis this is a must see.